I haven't written in so long, but I wanted to tell you all about this last Sunday and what led up to it. It's a long story....
You all know Sasha, our husky. I got her from a girl who's family wouldn't let her keep her anymore. Well, we have stayed in touch. I have felt inclined to share the gospel with her. Come to find out, she is already Mormon. Hmmmm...... didn't see that one coming. Well, she left the church after her family had a falling out. She has a husband and now an adorable baby girl. Well, lately she has been calling me and asking me for a Book of Mormon for her Mother-in-law. Then she called me and asked for the Bishop's number. She had her parents come out to bless the baby, and she wanted to set that up. Anyway, the 21st was the blessing day. Her husband, Jon, is..... well, not so thrilled with having his baby blessed. But she stood up to him and said this is important to her and that he would be there. He showed up, along with his real mother, and his grandparents, all of whom and completley against the whole thing. Well, her dad gave her a beautiful blessing, and in the blessing he blessed her with wanting to be apart of this church, and to be a good example to her parents. Well, after the blessing we had the speakers. Every speaker, all 3, were exactly for Mary. I was stunned, I just couldn't help crying. Even the youth speaker was directed exactly at Mary. It was quite amazing. After the blessing though, his family got up and left. I was really disappointed in them that they would do that, but atleast they walked into the building. Well after Sacrament meeting, they wanted to leave, so I went out with them and took pictures of them. I walked the parents to their car and we talked for over an hour. They said that I was an answer to their prayers, and they couldn't believe how this whole thing came about with her giving me Sasha and all.
I forgot to tell you, Thursday, Mary called me and asked if she could bring her parents over to introduce us. i said sure, and said why don't they come to dinner. They came straight from the airport to our house. I thought it was so strange that this girl I hardly know, though getting to know, wanted me to meet her parents. I think it says something about the connection we have. Anyway, they ended up staying 3 hrs. It was so lovely. Jon, her husband even came, though he's not thrilled with our friendship either. So back to Sunday....
While we were talking they told me that Mary feels like she is too far gone and can't come back to the church. I also feel like there will be a huge rift between her and her husband if she does come back. It was so powerful our talk, the Spirit was very strong, and I saw the love and the hurt they feel. They love Mary so much, and want only the best for her. They know, like we know, that the only way to happiness is through the Gospel.
Oh, I also forgot, the choir sang a beautiful arrangment of O My Father. Her mother leaned over to me after and said that was her favorite song, so I'm glad it went well. I was nervous with the family there.
Anyway, it was so wonderful to see this whole thing come about. The Spirit was so strong that day. I went back into church and just sobbed the rest of it. Everyone asked what was wrong, but I just said they were tears of Joy!!! I'm so proud her Mary for choosing to bless her baby, and for standing up to her husband in order to get it done. I love her so much. She is a wonderful young woman, and I see so much potential and love in her. Even Karvel, the Bishop, came up to me afterword, and said, wow, that was amazing. I told him thank you for picking the topics, and he smiled and said, I didn't, the stake did today. Holy Crap!!! I just get goose bumps thinking about it again.
I know it's a long road for Mary, and I don't even know if she will come back to the church. But for her to even step into the building with his family is so huge, you have no idea. I feel blessed to have been there Sunday to wittness it.
Take care and lots of love,
PS. We actually have a couple tadpoles who have little baby legs. Can you believe it????
